If you’re a restaurant owner, you may have the best food in town, but still not get the business you deserve if your website is not well-designed. You may not realize it, but the fact of the matter is that web design is extremely important for any business nowadays. As a result of our passion for all things edible, the Fat Guy Media team has a soft spot for restaurant web design.

Why is Restaurant Web Design So Important?

Laws of Attraction

Any expert in restaurant web design will tell you that your website must be designed to attract. While people measure attractiveness differently, most people would agree that a website with pop-ups and a confusing layout is a turnoff. An ugly website will send potential customers running in the other direction. In fact, 94 percent of people cite poor design as a reason for not trusting a company. You don’t have to necessarily match the atmosphere of your restaurant with your website. If your restaurant plays music mention it on the website. Don’t automatically play music when someone visits the site. Make the essentials like location, hours and menu visible.

So, What are the Elements of a Great Restaurant Website?

Mobile Optimization

Google has revealed that it has more searches from mobile devices than desktop computers. Also, half of all mobile searches are for local businesses. That being said, your website needs to be mobile-friendly. Responsive web design will provide your customers with an easy-to-use website that they can navigate with just their thumb. If someone is traveling around near you and searches for a place to eat, an attractive website, easy call button and navigable menu will intrigue hungry people to check out your restaurant. Trust us, we do it all the time.

Local SEO

An expert restaurant web design includes search engine optimization (SEO). But it’s more than using keywords like, “Chicken Parmesan” or “Italian Restaurant.” Odds are if you’re located on Long Island, you’re not trying to attract the attention of people in Texas. Optimizing your website to associate with Long Island will give your restaurant authority on search engine results pages (SERP). When those hungry people mentioned before search for a local restaurant, your website can be the top result with local SEO.

Target Your Audience

Luckily for you, your target audience is anyone in your area who enjoys eating. But maybe your restaurant attracts a certain type of crowd. You may have live entertainment that attracts older crowds or drink specials that attracts a bar crowd. Either way, you want your website to benefit your target audience. Restaurant web design should be functional, reliable and attractive. While internet users can’t taste your food through your website, they can see it through images and menu descriptions. So, get started on your website. Fat Guy Media can help! We work for food!